If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

If we confess our sins, God, who is faithful and just, will forgive our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

[Silence for reflection and self-examination]

Prayer of Confession (Unison)

Almighty and most merciful God, we confess that we are unworthy servants. We have not always acted as children of God. We confess that we have left undone things we should have done, and we have done and said things that we should not have done and said. For those times when we have sinned against you even unintentionally, we ask your forgiveness. We truly deserve only condemnation. But we pray that you, for the sake of Jesus Christ your obedient and faithful Son, will forgive us and increase our faith, that we may rise to live before you in righteousness and true holiness.

Assurance of Pardon (Responsive)

The mercy of the Lord is everlasting. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, we know that God's face shines on us and we are indeed forgiven.

Thanks be to God! Amen!

Allowing God to Shape Us

Children's Message and Children’s Prayer of Blessing (Unison)

Lord Jesus, may the hearts of our children be filled with your eternal presence, making your goodness their goodness in the eyes of God. May they be your light in this world, testifying without shame to your truth. May they attract many to the good news of your gifts of salvation and eternal life made possible through your sacrifice on the cross. Amen.

*Benediction, Blessing, and Response Hymn My Friends May You Grow in Grace

My friends, may you grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior.

My friends, may you grow in grace, and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.

To God be the glory, now and forever, now and forever, amen. (2x)

Postlude

Kinderhook Reformed Church Cemetery is sponsoring a BROOKS BAR-B-CUE THIS COMING WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, from 3:30 – 6:30 p.m. on the front lawn of the church. Full dinners are $11, half-chicken only, $7, and advance tickets are now available from members of the Cemetery Committee. Reservations may be made by calling 758-9492. All proceeds from the BBQ will go toward operation and maintenance of the cemetery grounds, an increasingly costly ministry to our community.

“FIRST FRIDAY” POT-LUCK DINNER

STARTING THIS COMING FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, KRC is sponsoring a once-a-month pot-luck dinner program, “First Friday,” and the Muitzeskill and Stuyvesant Reformed Church congregations have been asked to join with us in this endeavor. All are welcome, so plan to bring family, invite friends, and provide a dish or a dessert to share. Please arrive with food contributions by 5:30 p.m. for dinner at 6. Those who are unable to bring a dish are cordially invited to attend and enjoy the good food and fellowship.

~ HISTORY IN THE MAKING AS THREE CONGREGATIONS TAKE HANDS ~

After extensive prayer and discussion, the Consistories of the Kinderhook, Muitzeskill, and Stuyvesant Reformed Churches are meeting to pursue calling a pastor for rural ministry to serve the Muitzeskill and Stuyvesant churches. Please pray for these congregations as they move forward, discerning God's will. If you are interested in serving on a search committee, please contact a member of Consistory.

Please Note:

An update has been requested by a prayer partner on the progress of Theresa Van Warner, who was on KRC’s prayer list for many weeks. If anyone has information on Theresa’s current condition, please contact Paul Clause.

PRAISE GOD FOR ALL THE VOLUNTEERS WHO WORKED TOGETHER AT KRC YESTERDAY TO END WORLD HUNGER. 15,000 MEALS WERE PACKAGED IN ABOUT 2 HOURS!

~NEW MEMBERS’ CLASSES ~

New members’ classes are continuing at the parsonage. Upcoming meetings for the 4 p.m. Sunday group are October 5 and October 19. Upcoming meetings for the 6:15 p.m. Wednesday group are October 1, and October 8.

~PROPERTY MINISTRY REPORT~

The parsonage now has a new roof to replace one that had reached the limit of its reliability. It will be paid for with funds collected last spring from our insurance company for that half of the roof damaged by hail, from any donations given by those who choose to support this necessary upgrade in church property, or from the general fund of the church.

Dear members of the Kinderhook Reformed Church,

I am working with the KRC Cemetery Committee for my Eagle Project. My project consists of designing and constructing the new Columbarium within the cemetery. I will be installing the fence, which will define the perimeter of the Columbarium. If you feel a calling to my project and would like to contribute to its completion, it would be greatly appreciated. Donations may be made to the KRC Cemetery with "fence" in the memo.

Thanking you in the name of Jesus Christ, Will Carroll

~OUTREACH MINISTRY PLANS COMPASSION WEEKEND~

A Compassion International awareness program will be presented by Outreach the weekend of November 1 & 2. Compassion information will be displayed at the KRC Annual Bazaar November 1, and a presentation given during worship services on November 2, including testimonies of congregants who sponsor Compassion children.

HAPPY SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAY!

Jane Deane (1st), Donna Flansburg (5th), Morgan Hickman (5th),

Tana Thompson (6th), Abigail Wood (6th), Gordie Van Buren (11th -

Gordie is celebrating his 88th birthday!), John Bosquet-Morra (13th),

Dawn Van Buren (20th), Sophie Barmen (22nd), Phil Sherman (23rd),

Bob Wildermuth (23rd), Nancy Baker (26th), Barry Knights, (28th),

Chuck Rothermel (30th)

~ON THE BACK TABLE~

● NEW KRC DIRECTORY – Some directories are still on the back table. They are labeled in alphabetical order by family name, and if you have not yet picked yours up, please remember to do so today.

● KRC CHURCH ADMINISTRATIVE MINISTRIES – KRC’s administrative ministries are looking for additional members to assist them in fulfilling their designated functions, and you are urged to prayerfully consider participating in one of these ministries. Sign-up sheets are available on the back table.

● “LET’S PRAY – Talking to God with the Words of the Bible” BOOKLETS – Pick up your free copy today from the back table.

PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR HEART AND PRAYERS THE MISSIONS AND MISSIONARIES AROUND THE WORLD

THAT KRC HELPS TO SUPPORT:

Dave and Char Alexander, RCA missionaries, Taiwan;

Alight Pregnancy Center, Hudson

Perry Jones and Capital City Rescue Mission, Albany

Compassion International, KRC-Sponsored Children:

Evelin Chuquinia, 15, Bolivia Giulbert Muguna, 18, Kenya

Alex and Fran Knauss, Trans-World Radio

Maureen Menard, Youth with a Mission

Dick and Carolyn Otterness, RCA missionaries, Hungary

Brian and Bea Post, Wycliffe Bible Translators

Seth and Melissa Rogati, missionaries, Young Life Ministry, St. Thomas

Betty Ann Stedwell, Christar International Mission

REMEMBER TO THANK & PRAISE GOD FOR

Pastor Rudy Visser, our Spirit-filled minister and leader of vision.

those men and women who have served or are now serving our country, and those who have sacrificed their well-being and lives for the peace & liberties we enjoy.

the blessing of a safe and decent car for Susan Lamont and her children.

the good news that, on his 88th birthday, Gordie Van Buren is doing very well. Pray that Gordie will continue to remain strong and healthy enough to remain in his home and do the things he loves to do.

the good report that Doris Schmeider, mother of Claudia March, has recovered sufficiently from injuries received in a recent fall to be discharged from the hospital to Whittier Rehab. Please continue your prayers for a complete recovery for Doris.

Mary, friend of Erika Johnson, who recovered from a recent near-death experience; please continue to pray for Mary's return to complete spiritual and physical health.

Dr. Rick, colleague of Merrill Johnson, who has recovered completely from a recent near-death experience and has returned to a full work schedule.

the many dedicated and hard-working friends and members of the Kinderhook Reformed Church Family who serve on Consistory, church ministries, and committees; teach Sunday School; lead Youth Group, Bible studies, and prayer group; organize and carry out special church events; prepare food, serve, and clean up for coffee hours, receptions, and dinners; and who are always ready to offer whatever help and support they can to those in need.

all His provisions for our basic life needs, and the wonderful ways God shows His love to us, especially during difficult times.

Regular updates are needed on the progress or condition of all individuals on our prayer and praise lists, especially those whose names are in bold type. Please forward this information, as well as new praise and prayer requests, to krc@fairpoint.net or call Paul at 859-4158.

REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR

those who do not know Christ, or who are struggling in their faith, especially: Brian, who is also experiencing disabling health issues; and Craig.

KRC’s Consistory members and administrative ministries, chairpersons, and supporting members.

our military men & women, their families, and friends, that they may know God’s presence, protection, and peace.

survivors of warfare, terrorism, violence, and natural and other disasters worldwide, especially those in Syria, Iraq, other areas of the Middle East, and in our own country, that they may be blessed with God’s peace and the reassurance that he is in control.

our state and national leaders, that God will grant them the leadership skills, wisdom, and the personal protection needed to govern effectively and safely.

family and friends grieving the death of loved ones: the Tuttle and Carroll families grieving the sudden death of Chris Tuttle, 43, of Saranac Lake – remember especially his wife, Heather and their four children, and his father and mother, Frank and Nora Tuttle.

Brother Arnold, Shaker friend of Suzy Nieman, who suffered two broken ankles and numerous broken bones in both feet in a recent fall from a hay wagon. These injuries have come at a critical moment in his leadership role among the three remaining Shaker communities. Please pray for a speedy recovery for Brother Arnold, and that he will be blessed with God's wisdom.

Susan Lamont and kids, that they will find a suitable home, strength, and peace in hard times.

Zoe, friend of Sue Patterson; continue to pray that Zoe will respond well to radiation and chemo therapies she is undergoing to reduce the size of inoperable brain tumors.

those facing challenges, stressful circumstances, and difficult decisions: Bill, Abby, and Christopher, dealing with unspoken personal issues; the Heimroth Family; Holly and Marc Morales, daughter and son-in-law of Paul and Joan Clause, as Marc is experiencing serious issues with his employment - pray for God's wisdom for Marc as he faces challenging decisions, and for peace and reassurance for Holly during this stressful time; Amber and others as they face the challenges of beginning their college education - pray that God will bless them with wisdom in all of the many choices, and decisions that they are facing; Cliff, desperately in need of prayers; Greg and Lisa, fighting addictions; Christians everywhere who are suffering persecution; Libby Little.

those who are traveling.

reassurance and peace for our loved ones who are nearing the close of this life; those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill.